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Science News for October 20, 2014


Towards controlled dislocations

A group of scientists from the US used atomic-resolution Z-contrast imaging and X-ray spectroscopy to analyze two types of dislocations in CdTe, a binary II-VI semiconductor. The study could lead to improved conversion efficiency in CdTe solar cells and advance understanding of crystal structure defects.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateOct 20, 2014

Wild molecular interactions in a new hydrogen mixture

Researchers have created a novel hydrogen-deuterium mixture, exhibiting disordered Phase IV-material with different molecular behaviors. This discovery could lead to optimized thermoelectric and electronic properties in superconducting materials.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 20, 2014

Siblings of children with autism can show signs at 18 months

A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers has found that about 20% of younger siblings of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will develop the condition by age 3. The study identified specific social-communicative behaviors at 18 months that distinguish infants with ASD from their peers.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Penn researchers untangle the biological effects of blue light

The study reveals that blue light sets off a tug-of-war between melanopsin and S-cones to make the pupil smaller or bigger. This understanding has implications for seasonal depression and light sensitivity, and opens up new avenues for research into clinical conditions such as pain from bright light.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Males with IBS report more social stress than females, UB study finds

A new study from the University at Buffalo reveals that males with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report feeling cold and detached in their relationships, while females report more difficulties. The findings highlight the need for gender-based research to better understand how each gender experiences the disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 20, 2014

MARC travel awards announced for: AMP 2014 Meeting

The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $5,550 to students and postdoctoral researchers from underrepresented groups at the AMP 2014 Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research through travel awards and mentorship opportunities.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateOct 20, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Interleukin-27: Can a cytokine with both pro & anti-inflammatory activity make a good drug target?

A new Review article explores the potential to target IL-27-activated mechanisms in diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The cytokine's dual anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory activities suggest it could be a significant determinant of inflammatory responses.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateOct 20, 2014

Scientists create possible precursor to life

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark discover information strings with peculiar properties that can replicate quickly and efficiently, leading to a self-organizing autocatalytic network. This mechanism has potential value for developing technology based on living processes, such as self-healing devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateOct 20, 2014

Department of Energy's ESnet extends 100G connectivity across Atlantic

The Department of Energy's ESnet is deploying four new high-speed transatlantic links, delivering a total capacity of 340 Gbps to support dozens of scientific collaborations. The new infrastructure will enable ultra-fast access to scientific data from the Large Hadron Collider and other research sites in Europe.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 20, 2014

Let there be light

Researchers find genetically similar bioluminescent organs in two squid species, suggesting predictable evolution of complex traits. The study's novel bioinformatic approaches indicate that convergent phenotypes are associated with the convergent expression of thousands of genes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Genetic variant protects some Latina women from breast cancer

A genetic variant common in Latina women has been found to protect against breast cancer, with a significant reduction in risk. The variant, originating from indigenous Americans, is believed to interfere with the action of estrogen receptors and is more prevalent in Latina populations than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2014

Physicists build reversible laser tractor beam

Researchers created a reversible laser tractor beam that can repel and attract particles, moving them up to 20 centimeters with a single laser beam. The technique uses energy heating and polarization control to manipulate particles, offering new possibilities for atmospheric pollution control and tiny particle retrieval.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 20, 2014

New class of drugs shows promise in treating chronic diarrhea

A pilot study testing a new type of drug for patients with chronic diarrhoea found that the drug obeticholic acid showed promising effects on reducing symptoms. The treatment was generally well tolerated and improved symptoms in primary BAD patients and some secondary BAD patients, but not those with other causes of chronic diarrhoea.

SourceImperial College London·DateOct 20, 2014

WSU researchers see how plants optimize their repair

Researchers found that plants compartmentalize repair processes in specialized photosynthetic membranes, allowing for efficient energy conversion and protein repair. This insight could lead to the development of crops with improved repair mechanisms for hot and bright climates.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

NASA's MAVEN studies passing comet and its effects

The MAVEN spacecraft successfully navigated a close pass by comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring, providing valuable insights into the Red Planet's upper atmosphere and interaction with the solar wind. The mission will continue to study Mars' atmosphere and its effects on the planet's geology.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2014

See-through sensors open new window into the brain

A team of engineers has created invisible implantable medical sensor arrays that can continuously capture and associate fleeting brain signals with visible brain activity. The transparent sensors have applications in neuroscience, cardiac care, and contact lenses.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2014

Fires in the Egypt River Delta

Fires in the Egyptian River Delta are a recurring phenomenon, typically occurring every year in October and November. The annual fire season is attributed to farmers burning leftover straw from the rice harvest, resulting in widespread air pollution and health risks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2014

Mouse model provides new insight in to preeclampsia

A mouse model study suggests that elevated VEGF and sFLT1 levels during pregnancy can lead to preeclampsia-like symptoms and pregnancy loss. The findings highlight the potential consequences of therapies targeting these proteins for treating preeclampsia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 20, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Preventing woody shrubs from swallowing grasslands a burning issue

A team of scientists is studying the social and ecological factors driving woodland invasion on the Great Plains, with a focus on understanding landowner perceptions and decision-making processes. The project aims to enhance the scientific basis for maintaining economically valuable grasslands.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateOct 20, 2014

Structure of an iron-transport protein revealed

Ines Ehrnstorfer's research reveals the structural basis of DMT1's selective iron and manganese binding. The study shows that mutations weaken ion binding and transport in human DMT1, providing a basis for developing inhibitors to treat iron storage diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 20, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Why sign rights treaties?

A new study finds that autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties do so for domestic political maneuvering rather than economic gains. The researchers analyzed four core treaties and found no evidence of tangible material rewards for ratification.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateOct 20, 2014

Three-minute assessment successfully identifies delirium in hospitalized elders

A new three-minute diagnostic assessment, 3D-CAM, detects delirium with greater-than-90-percent specificity and sensitivity, particularly in patients with dementia. The test has the potential to significantly improve detection of this common and morbid condition in vulnerable older hospital patients.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

MARC travel awards announced for: RECOMB/ISCB conference

The FASEB MARC Program has announced the travel award recipients for the RECOMB/ISCB Conference, with Brittany Baur and Leanne Whitmore selected to receive awards. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by supporting underrepresented groups.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·DateOct 20, 2014

Electromobility, efficient and safe

The Visio.M consortium presents a small electric car with an efficient range of around 160 km and advanced safety features. The vehicle's lightweight design reduces costs and improves driving dynamics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateOct 20, 2014

Mediterranean, semi-arid ecosystems prove resistant to climate change

Researchers found that Mediterranean and semi-arid plant communities remained unchanged after nine years of experimental drought, contradicting climate change predictions. Local adaptation was the primary course of action for these plant communities.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2014

Pharmaceuticals and the water-fish-osprey food web

A recent USGS and Baylor University study examines the bioaccumulation of pharmaceuticals in the water-fish-osprey food web. The research findings indicate that ospreys do not carry significant amounts of human pharmaceutical chemicals, despite widespread occurrence of these chemicals in water.

SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateOct 20, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New tracers can identify frac fluids in the environment

Scientists have developed geochemical tracers that can identify hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers were tested at a spill site in West Virginia and a brine wastewater treatment plant in Pennsylvania, allowing for the detection of frac fluid contamination and potential risks to water supplies.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 20, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

One in 5 physicians unaware their patients have central venous catheters

A new study by the University of Michigan found that one in five physicians was unaware a patient had a central venous catheter, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as bloodstream infections and blood clots. The study suggests that improving device awareness is crucial for preventing these complications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014

NASA's HS3 mission continues with flights over Hurricane Gonzalo

The WB-57 aircraft flew over Hurricane Gonzalo on Oct. 15 carrying two HS3 mission instruments called HIWRAP and HIRAD, providing unique observations of sea surface wind speed, temperature, and rain. The data gathered will advance understanding and predictability of hurricane intensity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2014

Something in the way we move

Researchers found that subjects who walked in a more depressed style experienced worse moods than those who walked in a happier style. This suggests that the way we move can affect our mood and potentially be used as a therapeutic tool for depressive patients.

SourceQueen's University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

VIDEO: The Internet sleeps -- in some parts of the world

Researchers tracked Internet usage across the globe, finding daily patterns and correlations between country GDP and Internet availability. This study helps scientists develop better systems to measure and track Internet outages, improving overall reliability.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 20, 2014

Emergency epinephrine used 38 times in Chicago Public School academic year

A study published by Northwestern Medicine found that emergency epinephrine was administered to 38 Chicago Public School students and staff during the 2012-2013 school year. Most of those receiving epinephrine had no known history of allergic reaction, emphasizing the need for widespread access to this life-saving medication.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014

Findings point to an 'off switch' for drug resistance in cancer

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a mechanism for cancer cells to become resistant to chemotherapy, which may lead to a new approach to treating cancer. The study found that variations in breast cancer cells' RNA enable the cancer to evolve and adapt more quickly than previously thought.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

Why your brain makes you reach for junk food

A recent study at McGill University found that people tend to choose high-calorie foods despite being poor at accurately judging calorie content. The study linked brain activity to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which encodes value and predicts immediate consumption.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

No long-term association found between vaccines, multiple sclerosis

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found no long-term link between vaccine administration and the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) or other central nervous system demyelinating syndromes. However, a short-term increased risk was observed in younger patients, which may be attributed to existing disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateOct 20, 2014

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Oct. 21, 2014

Researchers developed the 3D-CAM test, a short and structured diagnostic assessment to diagnose delirium. The test was highly sensitive and specific, with a sensitivity rate of 96% and specificity rate of 98%. Additionally, a study found that clinicians often remain unaware of patients' central venous catheters in place, posing a patie...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

University of Tennessee study finds fish just wanna have fun

Researchers at the University of Tennessee discovered that certain species of cichlid fish exhibit playful behavior, such as attacking a thermometer. This finding suggests that play is not unique to humans and may be an essential part of animal biology.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEthology·DateOct 20, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

1980s American aircraft helps quantum technology take flight

Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully applied control engineering principles from aerospace to protect fragile quantum systems from environmental noise. This breakthrough enables the development of useful technologies in fields such as computation, communication, and specialized sensors.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 20, 2014

Head Start program benefits parents

A Northwestern University study found that Head Start programs benefit parents' educational status and employment, particularly among African-American parents and those with some college education. The program may provide a platform for expanding parents' own educational opportunities and improving their work-school-family balance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateOct 20, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Tarantula toxin is used to report on electrical activity in live cells

Researchers have developed a novel probe that reports on the electrical activity of cells using tarantula toxin, allowing for the observation of voltage-activated ion channels in live cells. This breakthrough has the potential to help scientists understand the function of specific ion channels and identify drug targets for neurological...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

Mummy remains refute antiquity of ankylosing spondylitis

Researchers used CT scans to investigate royal Egyptian mummies from the 18th-20th Dynasties, ruling out signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Instead, they found evidence of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in four Pharaohs, suggesting a degenerative spinal condition, not inflammatory arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateOct 20, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New study charts the fate of chemicals affecting health and the environment

A new study examines the trajectory of emerging chemical threats to human and environmental health over 30 years. The research reveals a common pattern of emergence, rising to peak concern within 14 years before declining, and identifies potential stages of concern related to these chemicals.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateOct 20, 2014

HCV treatment breakthroughs highlighted at ACG 2014

Breakthroughs in HCV therapy suggest increased cure rates, including for patients with cirrhosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise in treating C. difficile, while drug-induced liver injury warnings are also emphasized.

SourceAmerican College of Gastroenterology·DateOct 20, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

For inmates, pricey hepatitis C drug could make financial sense

Researchers found that treating inmates with sofosbuvir is cost-effective compared to other treatments approved by the FDA. The study suggests that the treatment can add up to 2.1 quality-adjusted life years and save healthcare programs from paying out more in the future.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014

Sexual preference for masculine men and feminine women is an urban habit

A groundbreaking study led by Brunel University London found that in modern, urbanized societies, people prefer highly feminine women and highly masculine men. The research challenged the theory of social and sexual selection, suggesting that this preference is an urban habit rather than a long-standing tradition.

SourceBrunel University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

Rapid agent restores pleasure-seeking ahead of other antidepressant action

In a National Institutes of Health trial, ketamine restored loss of interest in pleasurable activities within 40 minutes, with the effect lasting up to 14 days. Brain scans showed boosted activity in areas linked to motivation and reward-seeking behavior, independent of other antidepressant effects.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 20, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NASA's Terra Satellite sees Tropical Storm Ana over Hawaii

Tropical Storm Ana made a slow track west of the Hawaiian islands before moving away and heading towards the northwest Hawaiian islands. The storm's clouds were captured by NASA's Terra satellite on October 19, revealing its strongest thunderstorms in the eastern and western quadrants.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 20, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Massive debris pile reveals risk of huge tsunamis in Hawaii

A recent study has found evidence of a massive tsunami that struck the Hawaiian islands around 500 years ago, with waves reaching up to nine meters high. The discovery has prompted officials to revise their tsunami evacuation maps to account for the possibility of an extreme tsunami hitting the county.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 20, 2014

Over-organizing repair cells set the stage for fibrosis

A study found that excessive myofibroblast activity during wound healing leads to increased ECM organization, promoting the release of active TGF-β1. This activation then induces further myofibroblast activity and fibrosis.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 20, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Misreporting diet information could impact nutrition recommendations for Hispanics

A new study reveals that both over and under-reporting of food intake can lead to incorrect conclusions about whether individuals are meeting dietary recommendations. The research found that plausible reporters were more likely to meet recommendations for essential nutrients like energy, protein, and fiber.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateOct 20, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study suggests altering gut bacteria might mitigate lupus

Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 20, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

In between red light and blue light

Diatoms display a special way of reacting to light and adapting their metabolism to the changing light conditions. By controlling the activity of enzymes in the metabolism, researchers have found that blue and red light sensing photoreceptors can drastically reverse the carbon allocation pattern in diatoms.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2014

Grant funds 'smart city' power grid lab at WSU

Researchers at WSU are building a comprehensive 'smart city' laboratory to test smart grid technologies. The lab will simulate various systems and components, including windmills, solar panels, fuel cells, and power substations.

SourceWashington State University·DateOct 20, 2014

Winning by losing

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology and Washington University in St. Louis have confirmed a paradoxical laser effect, where energy loss can turn lasers on. By carefully tuning the amount of light lost through a chromium needle, they were able to switch the laser system on.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2014

Scientists unravel the mystery of a rare sweating disorder

A rare genetic disorder called anhidrosis has been linked to a mutation in the ITPR2 gene, which controls calcium release in sweat glands. The study, led by Katsuhiko Mikoshiba and Niklas Dahl, found that a single nucleotide change in the DNA code impairs sweat production, leading to hyperthermia risk.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 20, 2014
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

iPads detect early signs of glaucoma in Nepal eye screening

A study using a free peripheral vision assessment app on iPads screens approximately 200 patients in Nepal for glaucoma, showing promise for populations with limited access to traditional eye care. The results agree between 51-79% with the industry standard test and can be an effective initial screening tool for high-risk groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·DateOct 20, 2014

BOFFFFs (big, old, fat, fertile, female fish) sustain fisheries

Research shows that larger females produce far more eggs than smaller fish, increasing population productivity and stability. Older fish also provide a 'storage effect', allowing them to spawn successfully when conditions are favorable.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateOct 20, 2014

Hungry or not, kids will eat treats

New QUT research found that 100% of three and four-year-olds opted for sweet or savory snacks after a filling lunch, highlighting the risk of unhealthy weight gain. The study suggests that children's ability to self-regulate their food intake may be compromised by frequent exposure to high-calorie foods.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalEating Behaviors·DateOct 20, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Obesity link to increased risk for orthopedic conditions and surgical complications

Obesity affects orthopaedic care, healthcare systems, and individual organs, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, and joint injuries. Patients with obesity face higher surgical complication rates, but orthopaedic procedures can minimize pain and improve bone function.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateOct 20, 2014

Later supper for blackbirds in the city

A study found that artificial light in city centres extends the daily activities of blackbirds, allowing them to forage for longer. Males are more active later than females due to their larger eyes and differing sensitivity to light.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Ornithology·DateOct 20, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Pediatric allergology: Fresh milk keeps infections at bay

A study by researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München finds that infants fed on fresh cow's milk are less prone to infection. The authors recommend alternative processing methods to preserve the protective agents found in raw milk.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 20, 2014

Secrets of dinosaur ecology found in fragile amber

Researchers use tiny pieces of fossilized tree resin to study ancient environments, plant life, and dinosaur habitats. The findings shed light on the ecosystems in which dinosaurs lived, including the interactions between dinosaurs and insects.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 20, 2014

Cigarette purchases, accompany prescription refills at pharmacies

Patients using medication for asthma/COPD, high blood pressure, or oral contraceptives often purchase cigarettes while filling prescriptions. Study data reveals a significant co-purchase rate of cigarettes with these medications, highlighting the need to prevent cigarette purchasing by individuals at greatest risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 20, 2014

Stress-related inflammation may increase risk for depression

A recent study published in PNAS found that pre-existing differences in immune system sensitivity to stress can increase the risk of developing stress-related depression or anxiety. The research suggests that interleukin-6 may be a key factor in this increased risk.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

Heavy metal frost? A new look at a Venusian mystery

Researchers Elise Harrington and Allan Treiman re-analyzed twenty-year-old spacecraft data to study Venus's surface. They found radio waves reflected differently at different elevations, creating a pattern of brightening with increasing elevation, followed by 'radio black' spots at the highest locations.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 20, 2014

Supercomputers link proteins to drug side effects

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers used supercomputers and molecular docking to predict adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from off-target proteins. The computational model outperformed current statistical methods in predicting side effects, particularly in vascular disorders and neoplasms.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2014

Fairness is in the brain

Researchers found that the brain's reward centre activates more for fair income distribution, regardless of individual contributions. The study challenges previous findings on inequality and fairness, providing new insights into human behavior.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

POLARBEAR seeks cosmic answers in microwave polarization

The POLARBEAR experiment uses microwave detectors to measure B-mode polarization, allowing researchers to map the large-scale structure of the universe. The team also aims to determine neutrino masses and study dark matter and dark energy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateOct 20, 2014

Brain activity provides evidence for internal 'calorie counter'

A new study suggests that an internal 'calorie counter' in the brain evaluates the caloric density of foods, influencing food choices and predicting caloric content. The study used functional brain scans to track brain activity while participants viewed food images.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2014

Mental rest and reflection boost learning, study suggests

A study found that brain mechanisms engaged during mental rest and reflection can strengthen memories of events and retention of information, leading to better future learning. Researchers used brain scans to show that participants who reflected on earlier learning tasks performed better on later tests.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2014

See-through, one-atom-thick, carbon electrodes powerful tool to study brain disorders

Researchers have developed transparent graphene microelectrodes that enable real-time observation of neural circuits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. This technology provides high spatial and temporal resolution, allowing for detailed analysis of seizure patterns and brain electrical activity.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2014

Winning the war against Human parainfluenza virus

New anti-viral drugs and vaccines are urgently needed to combat Human parainfluenza virus, a leading cause of respiratory tract disease in young children. Researchers have identified potent inhibitors that block both cell entry and virion release, offering hope for treatment and prevention.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2014